Redd sprained his knee against California last month and ends his USC career if he does not play in the Las Vegas Bowl against Fresno State.

“Silas’ knee is probably worse than expected,” Helton said. “I don’t think he’s going to make it right now. It does not look good right now.”

Tailback Tre Madden (ankle) is questionable.

“We’ll have to see (with Madden),” Helton said. “It could be right up to game time.”

Allen named team MVP

Tailback Javorius Allen was selected as the Trojans’ most valuable player at the team’s banquet. Allen barely played the first five games under Lane Kiffin and gained 78 yards. In the final eight games under Ed Orgeron he gained 621 yards.

“He’s the guy in spring, when the injuries were there, he said, ‘Don’t worry coach, I got it,’ ” Helton said. “Then you go through this season with the injuries and he says, ‘Don’t worry coach I got it.’

“Then he goes in the Arizona game, and you hand him the ball and he dives over the pile and you look up and go, ‘Yeah, he’s really got it.’ He’s carried us the second half of the season. He’s just always been that guy when you needed somebody to make a play and go that little extra, he’s always been there for us.”

Season memories

Helton recounted his favorite memories of the season which, not surprisingly, did not include the firing of Kiffin or sudden departure of Orgeron.

“Some unbelievable memories that even as a coach’s son and been in the game my entire life, you have some memories you never forget,” Helton said. “You’ll never forget going to a tough place like Oregon State and winning on the road and never forget 50,000 fans rushing the field after beating the No. 4 team in the country (Stanford).”

Recruits visit

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USC hosted three players on official visits — offensive linemen Toa Lobendahn of La Habra and Jordan Austin of Claremont along with defensive end Don Hill of Boise. All three intend to graduate high school early and enroll in college next month.

If Hill commits to USC, it means five players would be slotted for four scholarship spots and one would not enroll. Lobendahn, Austin, offensive tackle Jordan Poland of La Jolla and defensive tackle Claude Pelon of Mesa Community College in Arizona are committed to USC as early enrollment players.

Serra of Gardena star Adoree Jackson, considered one of the top players in the nation, attended practice as an unofficial visitor.

New staff looks on

New assistant coaches Peter Sirmon, Johnny Nansen and Keith Heyward attended practice. Under NCAA rules, they are not allowed to coach until the current staff is let go. But they can recruit players.

Helton said it was not awkward seeing recruits and not speaking to them.

“We’re here to help any way that we can,” he said. “Until we’re not asked to do that.”